£12m star can lead Burnley's Championship promotion charge: View | OneFootball

Sander Berge has been a key player in Championship campaigns for Sheffield United, coupled with his Premier League experience with Burnley.

Sander Berge was a key feature of Vincent Kompany's Burnley side, and despite the Clarets failing to stay afloat, the midfielder was one of the few stand-outs for the Lancashire side.

Whilst Berge has only been playing for Burnley for a single season, the Norwegian has already earned himself key player status, with the midfielder putting in some stellar performances amidst an underwhelming campaign for Vincent Kompany's Clarets.

Berge's teenage Years and Time at Genk

The Norwegian midfielder was mastering his trade for Belgian superpowers Genk, which involved him gaining valuable European experience for the Belgian champions, with Berge helping them get to the quarter-finals of the competition, with De Smurken eventually getting knocked out of the competition by Celta Vigo of La Liga.

Genk's reputation for nurturing youth talent was evident whilst Berge was developing his talent in Belgium, with the Norwegian being coached by Albert Stuivenburg, who Manchester United fans may remember as being Louis Van Gaal's assistant during his time at the club.

Berge's successful time at Genk meant that he attracted interest from various clubs at the age of 21.

Arrival in England

However, it was Sheffield United who were able to secure his services in January 2020, with the Norwegian signing for a club record fee of £22 million, with Chris Wilder being a huge fan of the midfielder.

It is fair to say that midfielder did not disappoint for the South Yorkshire side, with Berge making 14 appearances in a season where the Blades greatly overachieved and their exciting brand of football led them to finish 9th in the top flight.

Berge stayed in Sheffield for another three seasons, in which the Blades endured both relegation to the second tier and promotion back to the Premier League after two seasons. It was then time for the midfielder to make a shock switch.

Vincent Kompany's Burnley were an exciting prospect, switching from their traditional style to a far more entertaining system, which allowed individuals to flourish whilst also zipping the ball around with style, something which caught the eye of talents such as Berge.

Berge Blooms at Burnley

The Norwegian signed for the Clarets for a fee of £12 million in a surprise move given he had been one of the star men for fellow promoted side Sheffield United.

It seemed that his departure alongside Iliman Ndiaye's spelled out relegation for Sheffield United. The Blades did in fact fall flat, finishing rock bottom in their first season back in the top flight.

Whilst Burnley did also suffice to relegation, Berge was a key man for the Clarets, chipping in with 37 appearances in the league for the Clarets.

It is clear that during the Norwegian's time in the Championship, his goal contributions skyrocketed and benefitted massively from this, therefore meaning that he can be expected to be a pivotal piece in Burnley's Championship jigsaw.

Berge's record of promotion with the Blades in 22/23 makes him a key man going into Burnley's Championship campaign.

With this being paired with his increase in progressive passes (PrgP) despite moving up a league, it seems that Berge's success in Claret colours should continue indefinitely.

If Burnley do manage to replicate their successes from previous years within the second tier, it seems that Berge will need to be one of the keys to unlock the door that is promotion back to the top flight.